What is accommodation?

“Accommodation” can refer to any adjustment made to your testing conditions that helps you overcome the impact of a physical or mental condition or disorder on your ability to write the exam. Examples of accommodation include:

  • additional time
  • a separate room
  • a screen reader or assistant to read the exam aloud

Everyone who writes an examination as part of their application to CNO has the right to request accommodation.

Who qualifies for accommodation?

If you are considering making a request for accommodation, here are some guidelines to help you understand whether you will qualify:

  • Your request for accommodation must be based on a professionally recognized diagnosis of a disability, impairment, condition or disorder (or any other ground listed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms or the Ontario Human Rights Code).
  • The reason you're asking for accommodation must be something that would have a clear impact on your ability to write the exam. In other words, you have to show how your condition/disability/disorder would interfere with your ability to write the exam, and how the form of accommodation that you are requesting would address that.
  • The reason you're asking for accommodation must be current. For example, CNO will not grant your request if you cite a childhood condition that you no longer have.
  • You must submit an exam accommodation request and supporting documentation each time you attempt the exam.

Your request for accommodation must ensure the integrity of the examination remains intact.

How do I request accommodation?

For CNO to have enough time to review your request for accommodation, please request your accommodation when you apply to CNO by selecting the “Accommodation Request” option.

Submit requests for accommodation and supporting documents to CNO before you contact Pearson Professional Assessments (formerly Pearson VUE) or another examination provider to book your exam writing time. If you schedule an examination with Pearson Professional Assessments before your accommodation is granted, CNO will not be able to grant your accommodation until you cancel your scheduled exam.

To submit a request, send the following items to CNO:

There is no fee for making a request for exam accommodation. However, you may be responsible for costs associated with making your request (such as assessment fees charged by health professionals or other costs involved in obtaining your supporting documentation).

Note: CNO may use any information you submit to support your request for accommodation to determine whether you have any physical or mental condition or disorder that could affect your ability to practice nursing safely. This may affect other parts of your application and extend the time it takes to register with CNO.

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